Telegraph Cove Fire: A Tragic Day for Vancouver Island
An early morning fire on December 31st, 2024, ripped through the heart of Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The blaze, which began around 5:20 a.m., quickly engulfed several buildings on the historic pier, resulting in a devastating loss for the community and the entire North Island region. The scene unfolded with alarming speed, with witnesses describing "huge flames" and a "big halo of orange" illuminating the pre-dawn sky.
The Extent of the Damage: A Community in Ruins
The fire's intensity was such that several structures were completely destroyed. Among the losses are the Whale Interpretive Centre—home to the largest public collection of marine mammal skeletons in the province—the Old Saltery Pub, the Killer Whale Cafe, the Wastell Manor heritage house, and the Prince of Whales office and staff housing. Approximately a third of the pier itself has also been destroyed. The fire chief described the incident as a "tragic day" for the North Island, highlighting the significance of Telegraph Cove as a regional hub that attracts visitors from around the globe. This sentiment was echoed by Mayor James Furney of Port McNeill, who described the event as a “devastating loss to the North Island.” He added that the fire created a “sombre nature around the town” and that many were left in disbelief.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Widespread Shock
Brandon Wettig, a visitor to Telegraph Cove, recounts being awakened by the sound of a car honking at 5:45 a.m., only to be greeted by the sight of a neighbor yelling, “Telegraph Cove is on fire!”. His account paints a dramatic picture, describing the “huge flames” emanating from the pier and the ominous orange glow in the dark sky, which could be seen from considerable distances.
The Response: A Collaborative Effort to Contain the Blaze
The fire response involved a multi-agency effort. Port McNeill Fire Rescue was the first on the scene, followed by crews from Port Hardy and Alert Bay. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, using hoses stretched 150 meters from a parking lot to the pier and employing a fireboat to tackle the flames at the end of the pier. By late morning, the flames were under control, although the area continued to smolder. The lack of fire hydrants in Telegraph Cove added significant challenges to the firefighting operation, and the remote location necessitated the extensive use of fire hoses.
Telegraph Cove's History and Significance: More Than Just a Tourist Destination
Telegraph Cove boasts a rich history, evolving from a bustling sawmill and cannery town to a world-class tourism destination. Its unique location on Johnstone Strait and proximity to Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, home to many whales, attract tourists from all over the world. This unique location made Telegraph Cove an important centre for whale watching and marine mammal research. It was once the site of a thriving sawmill and salmon cannery. The town, with its colorful buildings and homes along the shoreline, was built on the site of an old sawmill. A 240-meter boardwalk was built later, restoring the original houses and buildings from the sawmill that now accommodate tourists. It was also home to British Columbia's first whale-watching company, which began operating in 1980.
The Emotional Toll: A Devastating Loss for the Community
For Gordie and Marilyn Graham, owners of Telegraph Cove Resort, the fire represents the loss of more than just a business. The couple, nearing retirement, poured their life's work, quite literally their heart, into the resort. Gordie Graham's statement underscores this profound loss: “This resort isn’t just a business to us—it is our home, our history, and our legacy. My wife and I are nearing retirement. We are devastated to witness our life’s work, which I milled and built with my own hands, go up in flames.” This sentiment is shared by many in the community, with many expressing their disbelief at the scale of the tragedy. Residents of the small community around the resort woke each other up and pulled each other out of bed to make sure everyone was safe, and they rallied together to offer help and support during the disaster.
The Road to Recovery: Hope Amidst the Devastation
The loss of the Whale Interpretive Centre, with its irreplaceable collection, serves as a poignant reminder of the fire's far-reaching impact. The center's contents did not survive the fire. Mayor Furney expressed hope for government assistance in rebuilding the “Vancouver Island icon,” likening its significance to the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire. The restoration of the boardwalk, a vital element of the community's infrastructure and identity, will also require considerable time and resources. The rebuilding effort will undoubtedly require the concerted efforts of the community, government support and the dedication of numerous individuals, requiring cooperation and collaborative effort on a large scale.
While the community mourns the loss and the immediate future looks uncertain, there is a palpable sense of determination to rebuild. The outpouring of support has been enormous, with many expressing their hope for the revival of the iconic village and the restoration of this unique piece of Canadian history. The future of Telegraph Cove remains uncertain, but the spirit of the community and the strength of its people remain steadfast. The rebuilding process will be long and difficult, but those affected have shown resilience, hope and determination to restore the beloved village to its previous state.
